I'm installing Ubuntu 13.10 Server (amd64) on a HP Proliant Microserver. I'm using a USB keyboard which works fine until I opt to install Ubuntu and get to the (first) "Select a language" screen. At this point the keyboard becomes unresponsive and the number lock light turns off.

The BIOS is configured to support USB devices in legacy mode (hence I can get past the initial boot screen). Unfortunately the machine does not have a PS/2 port, however I have tried using a range of keyboards to debug this:

a standard USB keyboard (Microsoft Ergonomic 4000)

an alternative USB keyboard (G15)

a PS/2 keyboard using a passive PS/2-USB connector

and another PS/2 keyboard using an active PS/2-USB connector.

Unfortunately I get the same results with all of these. I note that this has happened to someone else with a wireless keyboard - could this be a case where the installer is not reloading USB devices?

You mean the first (pre-boot) language selection or the text installer one? Have you tried just replugging the keyboard?
–
BraiamNov 16 '13 at 0:52

The text installer (I can select a language and start the install from the first menu, it stops working at the second). I did try that but it didn't seem to work. Might try that with the PS2 keyboards just in case.
–
RossNov 16 '13 at 15:17

MM.... it could be also the disk with defects, have you tried another disk?
–
BraiamNov 16 '13 at 15:25

The md5 of the ISO checks out, however I'm installing from a USB so I'll have a look to see if the iso->img->usb worked properly. I'm sure I've installed Debian on this machine before so that could be it :)
–
RossNov 16 '13 at 15:37

I think that if it's reproducible like that, you have a bug in the ubuntu version of the debian-installer. It might be useful to report it (through ps/2 is old...)
–
BraiamJan 5 '14 at 22:56

I just ran across the same problem and have found no fix -- I don't have a PS2 KB handy.

The only way I got around it was to load 13.04 and then run the do-release-upgrade.

So far I've had to do this 6 times on different servers. On the later installs I've run apt-get update & apt-get upgrade prior to upgrading the OS. I'm not sure if there's a benefit but at least I know that everything was current before upgrading the OS. I haven't noticed a difference between the servers.

It is not a disk with defects or anything like that. Seems to be an issue with a USB KB.

I have noticed that this is a conflict on newer motherboards with USB 3. If you unplug the USB port, and plug it into a USB 3 port, it'll register. At least, it did for me. There must be a conflict between USB 3 and USB 2 ports handling keyboards in 13.10.